Whilst the scope of communications can be very broad, encompassing everything from operational and service-led interactions and communications, right up to key strategic announcements, for the purpose of this strategy, activities will focus largely on school, youth service, major project, media, stakeholder, internal and social media communications.
A separate piece of work is being undertaken to improve service responsiveness and satisfaction levels (outside of the remit of this strategy) which will complement the Communications Strategy.
Whilst the strategy will have a core focus on controlled schools and staff (teaching and support staff) who are directly employed by EA, it will also need to be flexible to ensure appropriate messaging for all school communities on a wide range of service wide issues including (not exhaustive), Special Educational Needs (SEN), transport, admissions, free school meals, education and development opportunities etc. Also, as the new EA Controlled Schools' Unit (CSU) is established, the three year strategy will be developed further.
It is important to note that whilst the Communications team will help support in co-ordinating actions and activities, the strategy and key actions need to be owned, supported and delivered by the entire organisation at both a strategic and operational level to ensure successful implementation (see Pillar 1).
There is currently excellent collaboration with the Department of Education, sectoral bodies, Trade Unions and other key stakeholders on key issues. Moving forward it is critical these relationships are further strengthened through the delivery of the strategy and in promoting key messages.